Gupt Navratri 2026: In Hinduism, Navratri is considered a great festival of power, devotion, and spiritual practice. During these nine auspicious days, the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped with complete rituals and traditions. According to religious scriptures, there are a total of four Navratris in a year. Among these, Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are well-known, while the remaining two Navratris are called Gupt Navratri (Secret Navratri). The importance of Gupt Navratri is especially associated with spiritual practice, tantra, and spiritual progress. The worship performed during this period is considered extremely fruitful, granting the devotee power, Siddhis (spiritual powers), and inner peace.

According to Acharya Anand Bhardwaj of Ujjain, during Navratri, the Mother Goddess descends to Earth and fulfills all the wishes of her devotees. This time, the Mother Goddess's mount is considered very auspicious, as she is coming to give darshan (divine sight) to her devotees riding on an elephant, which is a very auspicious sign. Let's find out when this Magha month's Navratri is starting and what the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) is.

When does Magha Gupt Navratri 2026 begin?
According to the Vedic calendar, Gupt Navratri begins on the Pratipada Tithi (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the Magha month. The Pratipada Tithi begins around 01:21 AM on Monday, January 19, 2026.  The Pratipada Tithi ends around 02:14 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.  Therefore, according to the Udayatithi (sunrise time), Magha Gupt Navratri will begin on January 19, 2026.

What is the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) has special significance on the first day of Navratri. This year, there are two auspicious times for Kalash Sthapana. The first auspicious time will be from 7:13 AM to 10:49 AM. The duration of this auspicious period will be approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes. If we talk about the Abhijit Muhurta, it will start at 12:15 PM and continue until 12:58 PM. If you are unable to perform the installation ceremony during the morning auspicious time, then installing the Kalash (sacred pot) during the Abhijit Muhurta will be very auspicious and fruitful.

What are the benefits of the Mother Goddess's mount?
This year, the Magha Navratri begins on a Monday. ​​Since it starts on a Monday, the Mother Goddess's vehicle is an elephant. The arrival of the Mother Goddess riding an elephant signifies abundant rainfall. According to tradition, if Navratri begins on a Monday or Sunday, then the vehicle of Goddess Durga is an elephant, which indicates heavy rainfall.

Special spiritual practices take place in the city of Mahakal.
There are many temples of goddesses in Ujjain, where thousands of devotees visit daily. However, several of these temples are considered especially significant for Tantric practices. During the Gupt Navratri, people associated with Tantric rituals are seen performing special worship and religious ceremonies here, praying to the Mother Goddess for the welfare of the world and to awaken their own spiritual powers. Among these, the 64 Yogini Mata holds special importance.

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